A Simulation Study on Multicomponent Lipid Bilayer

Simulation of a multicomponent lipid bilayer having a fixed percentage of cholesterol is done to study phase transition leading to domain formation. The concept of random lattice has been used in simulation to account for the coupling between the internal and translational degrees of freedom of lipid molecules. Considering a canonical ensemble, dissimilar lipid molecules are allowed to exchange their positions in the lattice subject to standard metropolis algorithm. The steps involved in the process effectively takes into account for the movement of sphingolipids and cholesterol molecules helping formation of cholesterol rich domains of saturated lipids as found in natural membranes

Detection of human immunodeficiency virus antibody among homosexual men from Bombay

Background and Objectives: In India, heterosexual transmission of HIV-infection is considered to be the major mode of transmission. However, no report is available on transmission of HIV-infection among homosexually active men. The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2) infections among homosexual men from Bombay is discussed. Goal of the Study: To determine the extent of presence of anti-HIV-1, anti-HIV-2 antibodies, or both anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies among homosexual men in India. Study Design: Sixty-three blood samples were collected from two STD clinics of Bombay over a 6-month period from men with a history of homosexual behavior who were asymptomatic for HIV-infection. The mean age of the subjects was 31.6 years. For serological detection anti-HIV-1 antibody ELISA was used as the primary screening test followed by Western blot to confirm the results. For distinction between anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibody, line immunoassay was used. The sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were diagnosed clinically, although Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests were carried out as a routine test for screening STDs. For detection of gonorrhea, Gram stains of urethral smear were done routinely. Results: From the 63 blood samples tested, 10 samples were reactive by ELISA for HIV-1 infection, and three samples were borderline reactive. These three samples were found to be reactive for anti-HIV-2 by the line immunoassay. The above 10 samples were also positive by Western blot for anti-HIV-1 antibody. Two blood samples were positive for both anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies. Using clinical diagnosis as the criteria, the different types of STD among the 63 subjects were as follows: condylomata (22), herpes (20), gonorrhea (15), candidiasis (3), and syphilis (3). However with VDRL, seven subjects were found to be reactive. Gram stains indicated gonorrhea in all the 15 subjects. Conclusions: This study reports for the first time the homosexual transmission of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections in India, although heterosexual transmission still is the major mode of transmission of the infection. The associated incidence of STDs among these men and that a few of these subjects were bisexual make them at high risk for transmission of HIV infection

The King’s Puzzle – A Royal Dream!...14

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Ask the Water-Horse!

31-32How does the brain remember its location and distance

Impact of Oxidative stress on Infertility, with emphasis on infertility management strategies

Oxidative stress (OS) is a state of imbalance between pro-oxidants (Reactive Oxygen species and Reactive Nitrogen species) and antioxidant defences. It plays a pivotal role in infertility issues (paternal as well as maternal). As such different reproductive diseases such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, unexplained infertility, Impairment of Spermatozoa, Sperm Dysfunction and Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF), are caused, which destroys the process of reproduction.</p

Beauty and the Brain

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